Short-term rental bill clears another hurdle

February 17, 2017

SB 1578 (Norment), which affirms local government authority over short-term rentals, unanimously passed the House General Laws Committee on Thursday and then was referred to House Appropriations where it will likely be voted on Monday afternoon.

VACo supports SB 1578 because it preserves local authority and authorizes a locality to adopt an ordinance requiring the registration of persons offering property for short-term rental. The bill defines “short-term rental” as the provision of a room or space suitable for sleeping or lodging for less than 30 consecutive days. The bill authorizes localities to impose fees and penalties on persons who violate the registry ordinance or who offer short-term rentals that have multiple violations of state or federal laws or ordinances, including those related to alcoholic beverage control.